Our Top Picks
DeLonghi BG500C De'Longhi 2-in-1 Ceramic Coated Grill and22.4 x 13.6 x 5.1 inches10.2 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Best premium pressBreville BGR700BSS Sear and Press GrillMedium14.76 x 13.82 x 8.46 inches14.95 poundsCheck on Amazon
Hamilton Beach Panini PressNonstick 8" x 10" Grids11.61 x 12.64 x 4.53 inches5.5 poundsCheck on Amazon
Best compact sandwich makerBreville BSG520XL Panini Duo Sandwich Maker2 Slice14.09 x 12.6 x 3.7 inches8 poundsCheck on Amazon
The best De’Longhi contact grill you can realistically buy right now is the Livenza 5-in-1 indoor grill (CGH912C). It is the only De’Longhi contact grill and panini press in our product database, and it gives you a contact grill, a panini press, a full grill, a full griddle and a half-and-half layout from one set of removable plates. The runner-up is the De’Longhi BG500C grill and griddle, which is not a clamshell press at all but is the better pick if you mainly want an open ribbed grill plus a flat griddle section on the counter. If you want a true press with sear plates or a compact sandwich press, the best rivals are the Breville Sear and Press Grill and the Hamilton Beach panini press.
A quick honesty note before you shop: De’Longhi’s contact-grill range is small and several of its well-known models (the CGH1020D Livenza, the retro CGH800) are not in our product feed or show as out of stock on the maker’s site. So this guide puts De’Longhi first, then fills the rest of the list with the closest rival brands, clearly labelled. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Top Picks at a Glance
- Best De’Longhi overall: Livenza 5-in-1 CGH912C, five cooking layouts from one grill.
- Best open grill and griddle: De’Longhi BG500C, a ribbed grill section plus a flat griddle section.
- Best premium press: Breville Sear and Press Grill, high-heat sear plates.
- Best mid-range all-rounder: Cuisinart Griddler GR-11NAS.
- Best budget panini press: Hamilton Beach panini press with 8 x 10 inch grids.
- Best compact sandwich maker: Breville Panini Duo.
- Best automatic sensing grill: All-Clad indoor grill with AutoSense.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Type | Plates | Watch for | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| De’Longhi Livenza CGH912C | Versatility | Contact grill, panini press and open grill/griddle | 2 grill plates and 2 griddle plates, ceramic coated, dishwasher-safe | Light plates, thin manual | Mid-range |
| De’Longhi BG500C | Open-air grilling and breakfast | Open grill and griddle (no top plate) | One plate: about two-thirds ribbed, one-third flat | Does not press sandwiches | Mid-range |
| Breville Sear and Press BGR700BSS | Steaks and thick paninis | Contact grill with sear plates | Not listed in the title | Large and expensive | Premium |
| Cuisinart Griddler GR-11NAS | Everyday families | Griddler: grill and panini press | Dishwasher-safe nonstick plates | Other plate sets not stated in the listing | Mid-range |
| Hamilton Beach panini press | Budget sandwiches | Panini press and indoor grill | 8 x 10 inch nonstick grids | Fixed use, no griddle mode | Budget |
| Breville Panini Duo BSG520XL | Two sandwiches at once | Compact sandwich press | Nonstick, 2-slice | Limited for meat and veg | Mid-range |
| All-Clad indoor grill | Hands-off searing | Smokeless contact grill with AutoSense | Removable, dishwasher-safe, 1800W | Price and size | Premium |
1. De’Longhi Livenza CGH912C: Best for Versatility
De'Longhi Electric Indoor Grill, Silver
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Key specs
- Layouts: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle
- Plates: two grill plates and two griddle plates with a Durastone ceramic coating
- Temperature: a Warm-to-Sear dial plus a dial that sets 175 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, as described in retailer and parts-store listings
- Cleaning: removable, dishwasher-safe plates, oil drain system, cool-touch handle
- Wattage: not listed
Best for: households that want one counter grill to handle sandwiches on Monday and steak on Friday. Skip if: you want a heavy, tank-like press with thick cast plates.
The Livenza CGH912C is the model that most roundups quietly point to when they talk about De’Longhi contact grills. What sets it apart is the way the plates swap: you carry two grill plates and two griddle plates, and you decide at the start of a cook whether the top and bottom are both ribbed, both flat, or one of each. That one decision changes what the machine is for. Ribbed on both sides with the lid down is a contact grill for burgers, chicken breasts and fish. Flat on both sides is a griddle press for eggs, pancakes and quesadillas. Open flat on the lid hinge turns it into a full-size griddle for a family breakfast.
In daily use, the control logic is simple. A centre knob chooses between open grill or griddle on one side and contact grill or panini press on the other, while a second dial moves through descriptive heat settings from warm to sear. A third control lets you set a numeric temperature in a range reported at roughly 175 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The practical benefit is that a delicate sandwich on soft bread can run at the low end of that scale, while a thin steak or a smash burger gets the top end. A user reported on a forum that their unit has lasted well beyond a decade, which is a useful signal about the motor and heating element, although plate coatings always wear faster than the housing.
The weak points are well documented. Reviewers on retail pages mention that the plates feel light and can sit slightly loose in their seats, that the grey-on-black temperature markings are hard to read in dim kitchens, and that the instructions give no recommended cooking times. There is also one safety-minded habit to learn: if the lid is locked in the open-grill position, pressing a sandwich will flatten it. Check the mode knob before you close the lid.
Pros and cons
- Pros: five layouts from one appliance; removable dishwasher-safe plates; wide temperature range; oil drain.
- Cons: plates feel light; hard-to-read markings; sparse printed guidance.
2. De’Longhi BG500C: Best for Open Grilling and Griddling
DeLonghi BG500C De'Longhi 2-in-1 Ceramic Coated Grill and Griddle, Black
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Key specs
- Power: 2000 watts (North American version, per retailer data; a 220 to 240 volt export version is a separate product)
- Surface: about 186 square inches according to a major retailer listing, roughly two-thirds ribbed grill and one-third flat griddle
- Coating: Durastone ceramic, non-stick
- Cleaning: plate and fat collector are listed as dishwasher-safe
- Weight: about 10.2 pounds
Best for: people who cook meat and pancakes at the same time on one big plate. Skip if: you want a lid that presses sandwiches.
The BG500C is the odd one out in this list and we include it deliberately because many shoppers searching for a De’Longhi contact grill actually want a countertop grill that De’Longhi makes well. It is an open-top electric grill and griddle. There is no hinged lid, so it will not make a panini in the traditional sense, and you flip food by hand like on a stovetop pan. What you get in return is a large single surface where you can lay out chicken thighs on the ribbed section and fry eggs on the flat section in the same minutes.
The design details are smart for indoor use. The plate slopes slightly so rendered fat runs towards holes in the middle and drops into a drip tray, which keeps meat from sitting in its own grease. The thermostat is adjustable and removable, which makes washing the plate far easier than with a fixed cord on the body. At around 10 pounds it is easy to move from a shelf to a counter. Be careful about one thing in listings: sellers disagree on the plate material and colour, and some pages show dimensions for the 220 volt model, so confirm that you are buying the US-voltage version.
It pairs well with a few cheap tools: a thin metal spatula and a silicone brush to oil the ribs. Our guide to griddle accessories covers the tools that matter on a flat surface like this one.
Pros and cons
- Pros: large combined surface; ceramic non-stick; fat drains to a tray; dishwasher-safe parts; high wattage.
- Cons: no lid, so no pressing; listings contain conflicting material details; open grilling takes longer than a clamshell.
3. Breville Sear and Press Grill BGR700BSS: Best Premium Press
Breville BGR700BSS Sear and Press Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel | Lock in juices and deliver steakhouse-style grill marks on burgers, steaks and more with high-heat sear plates
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Key specs
- Format: contact grill with high-heat sear plates (title wording: lock in juices and deliver steakhouse-style grill marks)
- Plate size and wattage: not listed in the title
- Independent reviewers rate it the premium benchmark for browning, but exact numbers are not given in the listing
Best for: serious cooks who want deep browning on steaks, burgers and thick sandwiches. Skip if: you want a small machine or a low budget.
If your real goal is the best result rather than a De’Longhi badge, this is the rival to measure the Livenza against. Roundups from cooking publications put the Breville near the top of the category, praising the way it browns as a panini press, grill and griddle and calling the controls easy to use. The design logic is that sear plates reach higher heat than the typical mid-range press, so the crust forms on meat before the centre overcooks. For paninis, that means a deeply toasted crust and melted filling without squashing the loaf flat.
The trade-off is cost and bulk. It is the most expensive machine in this list among the clamshells and takes real counter space. Treat it as an upgrade over the De’Longhi if you grill thick cuts often, and skip it if you mostly make quick weeknight sandwiches. Use thinner-cut meat on any contact grill, since a very thick steak will be squeezed by the top plate and lose juice.
Pros and cons
- Pros: strong browning according to independent reviewers; versatile modes; premium build.
- Cons: premium price tier; large footprint; specs beyond the title are not listed.
4. Cuisinart Griddler GR-11NAS: Best Mid-Range All-Rounder
Cuisinart Griddler® Indoor Grill & Panini Press, Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Cooking Plates, Stainless Steel, GR-11NAS
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Key specs
- Format: indoor grill and panini press
- Plates: dishwasher-safe nonstick cooking plates
- Body: stainless steel
- Wattage and plate size: not listed in the title
Best for: a family that wants a straightforward, widely recommended griddler. Skip if: you need exact surface size before buying, because the listing does not state it.
The Cuisinart Griddler name appears again and again in independent best-of lists, usually as the best-overall or best-value pick, and this GR-11NAS is the indoor grill and panini press version with dishwasher-safe plates. The reason it is a natural comparison for the De’Longhi Livenza is that both are lid-down machines that open flat as griddles. The Cuisinart line is generally easier to find with replacement plates and manuals, which counts for something if you plan to keep the unit for years.
Use it the way you would the De’Longhi: keep the temperature moderate for bread, higher for thin cuts. If you cook eggs or crepes on a flat plate often, read our nonstick pans for eggs and crepe pans guides, because the same coating care applies on any ceramic or nonstick plate: no metal utensils, no abrasive pads.
Pros and cons
- Pros: dishwasher-safe plates; well-known line; both grill and panini roles.
- Cons: key dimensions not stated in the listing; fewer plate options than the Livenza as listed.
5. Hamilton Beach Panini Press: Best Budget Panini Press
Hamilton Beach Panini Press, Sandwich Maker & Electric Indoor Grill | Floating Hinge Evenly Cooks Any Sandwich | Locking Lid | PFAS-Free Non-Stick 8" x 10" Grids | Chrome
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Key specs
- Plates: 8 x 10 inch PFAS-free nonstick grids
- Hinge: floating hinge so the lid sits level on thick or thin sandwiches
- Lid: locking lid
- Wattage: not listed
Best for: students, small kitchens and anyone who only makes sandwiches. Skip if: you want to griddle breakfast or sear steak.
The floating hinge is the single feature that matters most on a cheap press. It lets the top plate rise parallel to the bottom as the sandwich thickens, so the pressure stays even instead of crushing one end. The listing also notes a locking lid for storage and PFAS-free nonstick grids. At about 8 x 10 inches, the cooking area is enough for a single large sandwich or two small ones, which is more than adequate for one or two people.
Compared with the De’Longhi Livenza, you give up the removable plates, the griddle option and the wide temperature control. You gain a lower price tier and a smaller footprint. For a household that makes a grilled cheese a couple of times a week, that trade is sensible.
Pros and cons
- Pros: floating hinge; budget tier; PFAS-free nonstick; simple storage.
- Cons: single-purpose; not designed for steaks; plate removal and dishwasher use not stated.
6. Breville Panini Duo BSG520XL: Best Compact Sandwich Maker
Breville BSG520XL Panini Duo Sandwich Maker, Brushed Stainless Steel | Toast two sandwiches at one with this nonstick press, creating restaurant-style grill marks every time | 2 slice
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Key specs
- Capacity: two sandwiches at once
- Surface: nonstick plates
- Temperature control: reviewers note fixed plates without temperature adjustment
Best for: a pair of sandwiches fast on a small counter. Skip if: you cook bacon, vegetables or any ingredient that needs lower heat.
The Panini Duo is a narrower tool than the De’Longhi, and that is both its appeal and its limit. It makes two sandwiches in the time it takes the De’Longhi to heat up its larger plates. Independent reviewers are split on it: some praise the nonstick coating and the compact size, while others dislike the fixed heat. If you only want crisp bread and melted cheese, the lack of a dial is not a problem. If you want to lower the heat for delicate bread or raise it for meat, choose the Livenza.
Pros and cons
- Pros: two-sandwich capacity; compact; brand reputation for panini.
- Cons: no temperature adjustment according to reviewers; narrow use.
7. All-Clad Indoor Grill with AutoSense: Best Automatic Premium Grill
All-Clad Electric Indoor Grill, AutoSense Stainless Steel Panini Grill Press Sandwich Maker, Automatic 1800W Smokeless, Removable Plates, Dishwasher Safe
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Key specs
- Power: 1800 watts
- Features: AutoSense automatic cooking, smokeless operation, removable plates
- Cleaning: dishwasher-safe plates
- Body: stainless steel
Best for: people who want the grill to read the food thickness and adjust itself. Skip if: you prefer manual control or have a limited budget.
The All-Clad is the technology pick. AutoSense, as named in the listing, adjusts the cooking to the food, which is helpful if you grill different cuts and do not want to learn the right setting for each. The 1800 watt rating and smokeless design suit apartment kitchens where smoke alarms are a worry. It also doubles as a panini press, so it competes directly with the De’Longhi on features while costing more.
The deciding question is whether you want automation. De’Longhi gives you dials and a straightforward process, and the All-Clad gives you sensing and a premium price. Neither is wrong; they suit different cooks.
Pros and cons
- Pros: automatic sensing; high wattage; smokeless design; removable dishwasher-safe plates.
- Cons: premium tier; large; fewer griddle layouts listed.
Also Consider
De’Longhi BQ100 Indoor Grill and Smokeless Broiler
DeLonghi BQ100 Indoor Grill and Smokeless Broiler
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Best for shoppers who want a De’Longhi open-top indoor grill with a smokeless broiler design. It is a different style from the clamshell Livenza, so do not expect panini pressing. The listing gives no specs beyond the name, so check the maker’s manual before buying. Trade-off: no top plate and details are sparse.
George Foreman Family Grill and Panini Press
George Foreman Family Grill & Panini Press, Ceramic Nonstick | PFAS-free ceramic grill with adjustable angle, removable drip tray and family-size cooking surface.
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Best for families that want a low-cost, ceramic nonstick grill with an adjustable angle, a removable drip tray and a family-size surface, as described in the listing. Trade-off: the brand’s grills are typically lighter-duty than the premium machines above, and the listing does not give plate size.
Chefman 5-in-1 Digital Panini Press
Chefman 5-in-1 Digital Panini Press Grill Sandwich Maker and Griddle Grill Combo with Removable, Reversible Dishwasher-Safe Grilling Plates, Opens 180° for Indoor BBQ /Flat Top Grill, Stainless steel
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Best for buyers who want a digital panini press and griddle combo with reversible dishwasher-safe plates that open 180 degrees to work as a flat-top grill. Trade-off: a more tech-forward interface than a simple dial, and wattage is not listed.
How We Chose
This guide is research-based. We did not run our own cooking sessions, and we make no claim of personal use of any of these machines. Instead we compared three types of sources: the maker’s product pages, the retail listings and titles for each machine, and independent roundups from cooking and consumer publications. We looked at five criteria.
- Cooking modes: whether the machine only presses, or also grills and griddles open.
- Heat control: an adjustable thermostat with a published range beats fixed heat.
- Cleaning: removable plates that are listed as dishwasher-safe.
- Surface size: enough area for a family-sized sandwich or two to four servings of meat.
- Brand availability: De’Longhi first, then the closest rival brands, with replacement-part availability considered.
Where a number was not in a listing or fetched page, we wrote that it is not listed instead of guessing. Prices are given only as tiers because retail prices change.
Buying Guide: Contact Grill vs Panini Press
Contact grill, panini press and griddler: what is the difference?
A contact grill cooks food from both sides at once between two heated plates, which shortens cook time. A panini press is a contact grill with a hinge that lets the lid sit level on a sandwich. A griddler is the flexible version: its lid opens flat to 180 degrees, so it also works as an open grill or griddle. The De’Longhi Livenza CGH912C is a griddler in this sense. The BG500C is simply an open grill and griddle with no lid.
Plate size
Count the people you cook for. About 90 to 110 square inches (for example, the 105 square inch surface De’Longhi lists for its retro panini maker) suits one or two people. For a family of four, look for an open surface above 180 square inches, such as the BG500C’s listed 186 square inches, or choose a model that opens flat. If a listing does not give the plate area, measure the footprint and subtract the housing, usually 1 to 2 inches on each side.
Temperature range
Look for adjustable heat reaching 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for searing, and a low end near 175 degrees for soft bread and gentle reheating. Fixed-heat presses like the Panini Duo work for bread but compromise meat. The Livenza’s listed 175 to 450 degree range is the template.
Coating and plates
Ceramic and nonstick coatings both release food well, but only if you keep metal tools and abrasive pads away. Removable plates are the single biggest convenience feature, because you can wash them in a dishwasher or soak them. Fixed plates must be cleaned by wiping while warm.
Drainage and grease management
A tilted plate with a drip tray or cup keeps fat away from the food. De’Longhi’s retro model and the BG500C both use a slope for this. Avoid cooking very fatty food in a press without a tray, since the grease can run onto the counter.
Safety and care
Use the cool-touch handle, keep the cord away from the hot plates, and never submerge the base. Unplug and let the plates cool before removing them. Do not use cooking spray with propellants on nonstick plates, since residue builds up; a thin wipe of oil is enough. For storage, check that the model folds flat or locks closed.
Table: Which Cooking Layout Suits Which Food?
| Food | Best layout | Heat guide | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled cheese and panini | Contact press, ribbed or flat plates | Low to medium | Check the lid is not locked open before closing |
| Thin steak or chicken breast | Contact grill, ribbed plates | High | Pound chicken to even thickness |
| Burgers | Contact grill | Medium to high | Do not press the lid hard on thin patties |
| Eggs and pancakes | Open griddle | Low to medium | Use a flat plate, not ribbed |
| Vegetables | Open or contact grill | Medium | Cut slices of equal thickness |
| Fish | Contact grill, nonstick plates | Medium | Oil the plate lightly and turn only once if open |
De’Longhi vs Breville vs Cuisinart: How to Decide
Most shoppers end up choosing between three brand families, and the right one depends on how you cook rather than which logo is on the lid. De’Longhi’s strength in this category is flexibility per dollar: the Livenza CGH912C gives you four plates, a numeric temperature range and a dial for descriptive heat, so it can switch roles without buying a second appliance. Breville’s strength is browning power and build, which shows in the premium tier. Cuisinart’s strength is availability and familiarity, which shows in the mid-range. The table below summarises where each brand family fits.
| Question | De’Longhi Livenza | Breville Sear and Press | Cuisinart Griddler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open flat as a griddle? | Yes, per listings | Yes, per independent reviews | Yes, griddler design |
| Swappable plate sets? | Two grill plates and two griddle plates | Not listed | Dishwasher-safe plates, set count not listed |
| Temperature control | Dial and numeric range of about 175 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit | Not listed in the title | Not listed in the title |
| Best at | Flexibility and breakfast plus dinner | Deep sear and browning | Everyday family use |
| Main drawback | Light plates, thin manual | Size and cost | Less detail in the listing |
If you cannot decide, ask three questions. First, do you cook thick steaks weekly? If yes, lean towards the Breville. Second, do you want breakfast on a flat surface as often as sandwiches? If yes, the De’Longhi layouts fit. Third, is simplicity more important than options? If yes, the Cuisinart or the Hamilton Beach press is easier to live with. None of these choices is wrong, and the cost of switching later is low because all of them are countertop appliances that store in a cabinet.
One more consideration is household size. A single person or couple rarely uses more than about 100 square inches of cooking space at once, so a compact press is fine. A family of four or more benefits from a layout that opens flat and doubles the working area, which is the main reason the BG500C and the Livenza stay relevant even though they are not the newest designs. Finally, think about storage: a griddler that locks closed stands upright in many cabinets, while an open grill like the BG500C needs a flat shelf.
Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is buying a press when you want an open grill, or the reverse. If you need to cook a large flat breakfast, read the surface details and consider the open BG500C style, or an electric skillet; our electric skillet guide covers that alternative. The second mistake is pressing too hard: heavy pressure squeezes juices from meat, so let the floating hinge or the lid weight do the work. The third is ignoring fit: confirm that the model sold is the US-voltage version. Finally, preheat fully; most machines show a ready light, and cooking before it appears gives pale paninis.
FAQ
Does De’Longhi still make a contact grill?
Yes. The Livenza CGH912C is still sold and offers contact grill, panini press, full grill and full griddle layouts. Other models such as the retro CGH800 have appeared out of stock on the maker’s US site, so availability varies.
What is the difference between a contact grill and a panini press?
A contact grill has two heated plates that cook both sides at once. A panini press is the same idea with a hinge that keeps the lid level on a sandwich. Many models, including the De’Longhi Livenza, do both.
Can you cook steak on a panini press?
Yes, if the plates reach high heat and the steak is thin. Thin cuts around half an inch to one inch cook well. Thick steaks are squeezed and can overcook, so use an open grill layout or a high-heat sear model.
Are De’Longhi grill plates dishwasher-safe?
The Livenza CGH912C and BG500C are described as having dishwasher-safe plates in retailer and parts listings. Always confirm in the manual for your exact model and wash coated plates gently.
Do I need to oil the plates?
A light wipe of oil helps food release and protects coatings, especially with lean meat or eggs. Avoid aerosol sprays, which leave residue.
What temperature should I use for panini?
A medium setting is typical. Soft or sweet breads brown quickly, so use the lower end of the range. Dense sourdough can handle a medium-high setting.
Is a griddler better than a panini press?
A griddler is more flexible because it opens flat to grill or griddle, while a panini press is simpler and often cheaper. Choose a griddler if you want breakfast and meat as well as sandwiches.
How do I clean a contact grill?
Unplug it and let it cool slightly. Wipe warm plates with a damp cloth or remove them and wash by hand or in the dishwasher if listed as safe. Do not use metal scrubbers.
Which Contact Grill Should You Buy?
Choose the De’Longhi Livenza CGH912C if you want the most flexible De’Longhi, because it presses sandwiches, grills meat and griddles breakfast. Choose the De’Longhi BG500C if you want a big open grill and griddle without a lid. Pick the Breville Sear and Press for the best browning and a premium build, the Cuisinart GR-11NAS for a familiar mid-range griddler, and the Hamilton Beach for a budget sandwich press. The Breville Panini Duo suits two sandwiches on a small counter, and the All-Clad suits cooks who want automatic sensing. If you also bake and roast, see our guide to the best baking sheets for the oven side of your kitchen.
Last updated: October 2026
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